Have your say over new taxi proposals

WORCESTER residents are being urged to have their say over new proposals to improve the vehicle maintenance standards of taxis.

Currently hackney carriages and private hire vehicles only have to be tested once a year and every six months for taxis more than eight years old.

But under fresh proposals put forward by the City Council it could be increased to two tests a year whatever the age of the vehicle. And taxi owners could also face a hike in vehicle licence fees of £25.

The proposed changes were prompted by concerns raised by councillors after a number of taxis failed the council’s compliance test.

A 12 week consultation has now been launched to gather views from taxi firms across Worcester and city residents to see what they make of the proposals, before the Councillor’s in charge of taxi standards make a final decision in June.

Coun Allah Ditta, Chair of the City Council’s Licensing and Environmental Health Committee, said: “We have raised concerns because an above average number of licensed vehicles are failing the Council’s compliance test.

“We are looking to take action to improve the safety of vehicles both for members of the public, and for taxi drivers themselves.

“We would like to hear from Worcester’s licensed drivers and operators, members of the public and any other interested parties to ensure the course of action we’re proposing is the right one.”

To complete the survey visit www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit. Or hard copies can be requested by emailing wrsenquiries@worcsregservices.gov.uk or by calling 01905 822799.

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